Stricter measures introduced for state’s Easter holidays

Premier Peter Gutwein has expressed his concerns over those disregarding social distancing rules and announced strengthened measures to protect communities.

WITH the Easter holidays fast approaching, stricter measures will be implemented across the state to ensure Tasmanians comply with the rules created to keep them safe.

Premier Peter Gutwein on Sunday announced strengthened measures to protect communities.

From Wednesday, April 8 to Monday, April 27, Tasmanians will only be able to launch their boats from within the municipality of their primary residence.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“I've spoken to a couple of mayors over the last 24 hours whose municipalities are on the coast and in the main they tell me that their communities are doing the right thing but they don’t want a flood of people over Easter into those communities,” he said.

“We must not see during these holidays a flurry of people into those vulnerable communities.

“Now I know this for many people will be seen to be tough and harsh, but at the end of the day, it’s about saving lives.”

Mr Gutwein expressed disappointment that some were still not taking social distancing seriously.

A 50-year-old Launceston man was charged yesterday for allegedly refusing to abide by isolation requirements after recently returning to Tasmania from Victoria.

The man is alleged to have breached isolation requirements a number of times despite having been provided accommodation in a government facility.

Mr Gutwein said while in the North on Saturday, he was concerned with the number of people still out and about browsing the shops.

“There were still children in groups in the mall, moving through the city.”

He said it was important that everybody followed the rules and only left the house for essential supplies, exercise or for medical treatment.

Yesterday also marked what could be the last day of operation for Hobart’s Farmgate Market.

Hobart’s Farmgate Market on Sunday. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Mr Gutwein acknowledged the good job organisers had done to ensure compliance with the guidelines, but that he had received reports that customers were not complying with social distancing rules.

He said he thought yesterday would be the last day for the community market, but after being contacted by Hobart’s Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds he said he was prepared to reconsider the closure.

“I am prepared to reconsider its closure if the Hobart City Council is prepared to utilise its own resources to mitigate the concerns raised with me directly this morning by senior Health officials,” Mr Gutwein said.

Farmgate organiser Madi Seeber-Peattie was disappointed by the comments, saying compliance at yesterday’s market was unquestionable.

“Customers were spaced 1.5m apart on chalk crosses provided, in order to comply with the conditions of entry into the market,” she said.

“Customer numbers did not exceed 150 onsite at any one time across the day — this equates to nine square metres per customer, well in excess of the four square metres which is the government requirement, and their behaviour was exemplary.”